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(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ Columbia, MO - As winter weather continues to affect the city, the City of Columbia is closely monitoring and responding to the situation. Updates and information can be found on the City's various social media accounts and on their website, CoMo.gov.

According to John Ogan, spokesperson for the City of Columbia Public Works, a team of 18 snowplow crew members have been working tirelessly since last night to plow and treat neighborhood streets. As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, they have successfully cleared 65% of the streets. Residents can track their progress in real-time using the Street and Snow Route Priority Viewer map on CoMoSnow.com.

Ogan also mentioned that the plowing approach this time was different from the previous winter storm in March 2022. This time, crews started from the outer edges of the city and worked their way inward. This approach alternates with each snowstorm.

Due to overnight temperatures dropping into single digits, road salt applications were not as effective. However, with ample sunlight and temperatures expected to reach low 20s today, Ogan is confident that it will help break up packed snow and improve road conditions.

In addition to plowing neighborhood streets, a separate crew worked overnight to remove snow from downtown Columbia. Unlike residential areas where snow can be pushed aside, downtown lacks space for storage. Therefore, snow must be loaded onto dump trucks and transported to designated removal sites. Most of the snow has been successfully removed from downtown; however, some remaining snow on West South Providence Road and Tiger Avenue will be hauled away tonight.

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The City also sent out a text alert at 4 p.m. Monday allowing parking on priority routes once again. Ogan expressed his gratitude for the community's cooperation as it has greatly helped their drivers plow more effectively. To receive alerts about priority road parking restrictions, residents can sign up at Alerts.CoMo.gov for notifications via text, email, or automated phone call.

Drivers are advised to continue using caution and practicing safe winter weather driving techniques. This includes reducing speeds, increasing stopping distances, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration, and maintaining safe following distances.

In other news, Go COMO fixed-route bus service is running as scheduled today. Paratransit service is also planned to operate normally; however, if road conditions prevent access to a customer's home, they will be notified directly. Customers are advised to exercise caution and plan extra time for navigating icy or snow-covered paths from their doors to the vehicle.

Trash collection for this week began today and will continue as scheduled for the remainder of the week. For customers with Monday collections, their roll carts should be placed out for collection on Saturday, Jan. 11. Recycling collection for Tuesday and Wednesday remains canceled; however, customers with Thursday and Friday collections can place their recycling bags with their roll carts. Monday's collection on Saturday will be trash only and will not include recycling. If temperatures drop further than forecasted, the start of recycling collection may be pushed back.

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To ensure efficient trash collection and snow removal operations, residents are reminded to follow guidelines for roll cart placement during winter weather as outlined on CoMo.gov/city-source/december-2024/roll-cart-placement-winter-weather.

The City also wants to remind residents that several warming centers and shelters will remain open regardless of weather conditions. However, due to changing conditions, it is recommended that individuals check with the location before going. Road conditions may also impact Animal Control response times; therefore, if it is safe to do so, residents are advised to hold onto loose dogs until Animal Control can arrive.

Lastly, the Columbia Police Department has resumed normal operations. In case of a non-emergency accident, residents are asked to call 311 or report online. All vehicles involved in delayed crash reports will be marked with crime scene tape and towed when weather conditions improve.

Filed Under: Government, City

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